“There’s always been something about a feisty girl with an axe and a pen" Welcome to the world of Bertie Blackman: A 25 year old rising star born to royalty of the art world. A multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter, Bertie’s emergence on the music scene has been anything but ordinary. The daughter of iconic artist Charles Blackman, her first encounter with artistry came as a child on the floor of her mother and father’s paint strewn studio. She fell in love with music at 6, self-taught on guitar and keys by 14; discovered her gift for song-writing by 15, and rapidly emerged into the exquisite talent she is today.
Bertie Blackman’s unconventional initial steps in music are mirrored by her diverse musical style. Whilst obvious comparisons are drawn between contemporary artists such as Karen O and Bat For Lashes, her distinct style also draws on classic artists of the past (PJ Harvey, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush). Her bitter-sweet musings and haunting vocals are allied with a love of musical innovators such as Bjork.
‘Secrets and Lies’ is a collection of beautifully crafted, eclectic songs. From the sexually charged first single ‘Thump’ to the deceptively dark ‘Shout Out’ it’s an album of many moods that at turns charms and intrigues. The album was produced and mixed by Lee Groves (Goldfrapp, Gwen Stefani) and Francois Tetaz (Architecture In Helsinki). Mixing on ‘Thump’ comes courtesy of Dave Bascombe (Tears for Fears/Royksopp) and completes the package in fine style.
Constantly evolving as an artist, ‘Secrets and Lies’ is Bertie’s third studio album and marks the first release of new material on management and label Forum5. Already winning an ARIA for Best Independent Release and a Triple J award, plus hitting the top spot of the iTunes album chart and receiving a rapturous response across Australia, Bertie is set for similar success internationally.
Bertie Blackman’s new album Secrets And Lies will be released in May 2009.
New single Black Cats is released March 1st 2009. www.bertieblackman.com